Carey Michael Kish

The epic story of survival in 2003. The gripping tale told in the book in 2004. And now, the thrilling movie that brings it all to life on the big screen.

Aron Ralston is back! The book, 127 Hours: Between a Rock and a Hard Place, has just been re-released. Along with it a motion picture of the same title opens in theaters across the country this coming week. And it looks to be a heckuva show. My palms are sweaty already just thinking about it…

In April 2003 27-year old adventurer Aron Ralston headed out alone out into the Utah desert for a day of hiking in the amazing slot canyons of Canyonlands National Park. Experienced and capable, it was going to be a rather casual day for Ralston. He packed well but lightly, never imagining the ordeal to come.

Making his way through Blue John Canyon all was going as planned. The day was beautiful, the wilderness of canyon environment sublime, the solitude perfect. Then, making a technical climbing move over a chockstone that blocked the route, Ralton’s right arm became wedged when the rock shifted.

More than wedged, the 800-pound boulder had him firmly in its grip. No letting go. Stuck but good. Miles from the nearest road and a place so remote that no one would pass by for days, weeks, even months. And nobody knew even where he was, having left on a whim.

For the next five days – 127 hours – Ralston tapped his mental and physical strength in every way possible, not only to simply survive, but to try and extricate himself.

At first he tried to chip away at the rock with a knife using his free hand. No good. Then, using the climbing gear he carried for this canyoneering trip, he tried rigging a pully system to move the rock off his hand. The result was the same: No go.

Finally, his water and food gone, and his energy and spirit dangerously waning, Ralston decided to pursue the only option he had left: He would cut off his arm!

And so he did. Ralston violently snapped his wrist, and proceeded to amputate his right hand and wrist using only the dull blade of his small multi-tool.

Finally free of the rock he still had to get through the canyon, which required setting up and carrying out a 60-foot rappel to get down to where he could walk out. Beyond, incredibly weak and losing blood, he stumbled upon a couple of hikers who led him to safety.

The book was a thrilling page-turner. I trust the movie will be a heart-pounding thriller as well.

If you haven’t read the book, well, now’s a great time to do so. It’s 354 pages of epic survival you won’t soon forget.

The movie – a FOX Searchlight film – stars James Franco as Aron Ralston and is directed by Danny Boyle. It should be great! See you there… And don’t forget the popcorn!